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Table of Contents

This little volume is not intended to be a history of Oregon missions or even a complete biography of Dr. Whitman. Its aim is simply to bring out, prominently, in a series of sketches, the heroism and Christian patriotism of the man who rendered great and distinguished service to his country, which has never been fully appreciated or recognized.

In my historical facts I have tried to be correct and to give credit to authorities where I could. I expect some of my critics will ask, as they have in the past: "Who is your authority for this fact and that?" I only answer, I don't know unless I am authority. In 1850 and 1851 I was a teacher of the young men and maidens, and bright-eyed boys and girls of the old pioneers of Oregon.

Many years ago I told the story of that school to Hezekiah Butterworth, who made it famous in his idyllic romance, "The Log School House on the Columbia." It was a time when history was being made. The great tragedy at Waiilatpui was fresh in the minds of the people. With such surroundings one comes in touch with the spirit of history.

Later on, I was purser upon the Lot Whitcomb, the first steamer ever built in Oregon, and came in contact with all classes of people. If I have failed to interpret the history correctly, it is because I failed to understand it. The sketches have been written in hours snatched from pressing duties, and no claim is made of high literary excellence. But if they aid the public, even in a small degree, to better understand and appreciate the grand man whose remains rest in his martyr's grave at Waiilatpui, unhonored by any monument, I shall be amply compensated.

O. W. N.

Pages.
Introduction	11–14
CHAPTER I.
The Title of the United States to Oregon—The Hudson Bay Company—The Louisiana Purchase	15–37
CHAPTER II.
English and American Opinion of the Value of the Northwest Territory—The Neglect of American Statesmen	38–49
CHAPTER III.
The Romance of the Oregon Mission	50–62
CHAPTER IV.
The Wedding Journey Across the Plains	63–82
CHAPTER V.
Mission Life at Waiilatpui	83–98
CHAPTER VI.
The Ride to Save Oregon	99–123
CHAPTER VII.
Whitman in the Presence of President Tyler and Secretary of State Daniel Webster—The Return to Oregon	124–164
CHAPTER VIII.
A Backward Look at Results	165–185
CHAPTER IX.
Change in Public Sentiment	186–200
CHAPTER X.
The Failure of Modern History to do Justice to Dr. Whitman	201–216
CHAPTER XI.
The Massacre at Waiilatpui	217–237
CHAPTER XII.
Biographical—Dr. Whitman—Dr. McLoughlin	238–249
CHAPTER XIII.
Whitman Seminary and College	250–262
CHAPTER XIV.
Oregon Then, and Oregon, Washington and Idaho Now	263–276
CHAPTER XV.
Life on the Great Plains in Pioneer Days	277–304
Appendix	305–339